Meet the ACLC Board

Michael McCaffrey joined the ACLC team as Lead Facilitator in 2019, bringing 15 years of experience as an educator and leader in highly successful and diverse middle and high school settings. He received his B.A. from UC Berkeley and his Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Michael has worked with young people all his adult life. Each day, he seeks to put into action his belief that all students can learn and that all teachers can continue to improve their practice to support students in becoming their best selves.

Before joining ACLC, Michael served as the principal at Epic Charter Academy in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood and helped Epic achieve some of the greatest growth of any middle school program in Oakland. Before that, he spent 11 years at Leadership Public Schools in Hayward as a teacher, teacher leader, Academic Dean, and as Assistant Principal. When Michael left LPS-Hayward, it was the 2nd highest performing public high school in California, graduating 100% of students and securing them all admission to university. At ACLC, Michael is excited to lead an already successful team of facilitators to even greater heights in their service of students.

Annika Sante joined ACLC as middle school English teacher in 2020. She holds a BA in English and a teaching credential from Mount Holyoke College.

Annika is an Alameda native, and loves being able to teach in her hometown. Her goal is to instill a love of literature in her students and to provide an opportunity to express their ideas creatively. 

Heather Mahaffey  is ACLC's Office Manager and has been part of the ACLC Office team since 2016. This is her second year on the ACLC Board. She is also the proud mom of an ACLC alum from the class of 2021. 

Heather says, "I love our school, our learners, and staff members. The ACLC community is a strong special group that I am proud to be part of."

Heather is an East Bay native and resides in San Leandro. In her spare time she loves to read, swim, bike, travel, go to the beach and concerts, and spend time with friends and family.

Annie Liu is a current 12th grader and has attended ACLC since 8th grade. During her time at ACLC, she has been active in planning school fundraising events, leading new learner orientation, and founding a Business Club at ACLC.

Annie decided to run for another term on ACLC board because she wanted to support the diversity in student community. During her term on Board she hopes to use her voice to address students’ concerns, and best represent students’ interests. 

After high school, Annie look forwards to studying Business at a four-year university.

Alex Bertault is a current 12 grader who has been at ACLC since the 6th grade. During their time at ACLC, Alex has been a CCEF Board Member, a JC Clerk, and co-founder of the ACLC Rock Climbing Club.

Alex decided to run for the ACLC Board because they wanted to be more involved in ACLC's democratic process. They plan on helping ACLC keep its "vibe you can't describe".

Upon graduation, Alex plans to study aerospace engineering at a four-year university.